Spark-plug intensifier.



Patented Mar. 19, 1918.

GEORGE RICHARD MEISSNER, 0F ALBIA, IOWA.

SPARK-PLUG INTENSIFIER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

- Patented Mar. 19, 191s.

Application led December 14, 1914. Serial No. 877,024.

To all whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE RICHARD Mmssisnn, a citizen of the United States, residing at Albia, in the county of Monroe, State of Iowa, have invented a new and useful Spark-Plug Intensiier, of which the following is a specification. c

The object of my invention is to provide a spark plug intensifier of simple and durable construction so arranged as to not only make visible at all times thef'spark but to magnify the spark. More particularly it is my object to provide-a spark plug lntensiier to relieve against conditions produced when plugs become inoperative by reason o f carbon, oil, soot or dirt or broken porcelain. A further object is to provide a spark plug intensier that will keep the plugs clean and locate trouble in ignition instant-ly.

The special and novel-phase of the invention here disclosed will be better understood from reference to the following detailed description which is to be takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein- Figure 1 shows a side elevation illustrating the device in a position foruse and a cross-section of my spark plug intensifier.

Fig. 2 is a detailed view taken from the cross-section of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a detailed view of the means for securing the device to the spark plug. j

Fig. 4 is a general view of the bulls-eyeshaped insulator member shown in crosssection in Fig. 1.

Fig is a cross-sectional view of the caps which fit over each end of the bulls eye shaped insulator, a general cross-sectional view of these caps being also shown in Fig. 1. I

1n carrying out the invention it will be found convenient and desirable to first provide the insulator 1, which I make usually of glass, although I do not wish to be limited to that material of bulls-eye-shape so that the spark passing from one point or electrode to the other in the interior thereof will not only beat all times visible but easily and clearly visible because as by this special arrangement, the spark is magnified and the practical utility of the device greatly increased.

The part shown in Fig. 3 may next be provided and consists of a screw-threaded member 2 having a fiange or shoulder 3 and provided at its outer end with means for I securing to the spark plug as shown at 4.

On the inner side of the flange 3 is provided a cap 5 so arranged as to fit over and register with the groove at the outer end of the insulator 1. This fitting is shown at 6. Directly on the inside of the cap 5 is a nut 7 designed to register with the screw-threaded member so that the cap will be held rigidly in place. At the end of the insulator, opposite to where it is attached to the spark plug, is also provided a screw-threaded member 8 which passes through a cap 9 which cap is constructed identically like cap 5 and fits over the insulator 1 in the same manner. On the outside of this cap 9 may be provided a set-screw 10 and beyond that on the screwthreaded member a thumb-screw 11 so that between these two screws there may be connected to the electrode or screw-threaded member 8 a wire or. other conductor means 12. The thumb-screw 11 may then be tightened so as to hold the conductor firmly in place. If desired, the insulator 1 may be made screw-threaded in the interior as shown in Fig. 2 so as to receive and register with the screw-threaded members 2 and 8, respectively, although I prefer to have the separate construction and hold the parts together by means of the arrangement of the caps hereinbefore explained as the'bushing 7 makes the electrodes or screw-threaded members adjustable and permits the adjustab1l1ty necessary to intensify the spark in order to accomplish the objects of my invention. The electrode 8 is provided with a sharp point 13 the better to aid in intensifying the spark.

The member 7,'

which I have designated as a bushing and f which is found in conjunction with the cap at both ends of the insulator, may either be arranged loose inside the cap or may be riveted to the cap. The electrode 8 is provided at its outer end `with a groove 14: whereby, if certain ranges of adjustability are necessary, a screw-driver may be used to procure 1t.

By means of the above 'described device 1t wlll be seen that a spark plug intensifier has been provided practically impervious to breakage, and which will always be operative, thus procuring the maximum of utility for the purposes stated. My spark plug intensiier will be used most frequently on internal combustion engines and by means of my specially grooved bulls-eye-shaped insulator, breakage and inoperativeness, incident to the more delicate and unsatisfactory devices in the art, are not only overcome but the engineer is enabled to ascertain, with greater certainty and ease, the strength of the spark which he is obtaining and whether or not all of the spark plugs are working properly. `While I have herein disclosed one embodiment of the present invention I am aware that changes in detail may be made both in materials and construction without deviating from the spirit of my invention and I desire that the protection here sought should include such changes and modifications in detail as reasonably may be made within the terms of the appended claims.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A spark plug intensifier comprising a cylinder of insulating material that will magnify and make visible the spark to the operator in substantially any position, caps at both ends of the cylinder and electrodes at both ends of the cylinder.

2. In a spark plug intensifier the combination of a cylinder made of glass of bullseye shape and provided at both ends withan elevated rim, caps provided with a rim designed to fit over the elevated rim of the cylinder, screwthreaded bushings on the inner side of each cap, a screw-threaded member designed to fit into and register with the bushing of the cap provided at its outer masses end with means for fastening to the spark plug, a screw threaded member designed to iit into the opposite end of the cylinder and screw into the bushing of the cap, provided with both a set-screw and thumb-screw designed to receive and hold in place a conducting wire, provided at its outer end with a groove for adjusting said electrode and at its innermost end with a point.

3. In a device of the class described, a body of insulating material having a longitudinal opening through said body formed with lianges or elevated rims at the outer ends, caps to lit over said flanges or outer rims, electrodes extending into said body, as and for the purposes described.

4. A device of the character described, comprising a transparent body portion having an axial opening extending therethrough, ends permanently attached to said body portion, conducting members extend; ing through said ends, screw threaded members engaging said conducting members on the inside and outside of said end and means to hold the inside threaded members against rotation.

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name to this specification in the presence of two witnesses.

GEORGE RICHARD MEISSNER.

Witnesses:

FRED C. HUEBNER, MAX AURELAUG. 

